Shots Fly As Masked Man Tries To Rob Pawnshop

News in brief

A man armed with a pistol and wearing a Halloween mask and a black robe tried unsuccessfully Wednesday to rob the S&R Pawn Shop, 2802 East U.S. Highway 192, authorities said.

Harry Strain, 70, the owner, told deputies he was in the back room with his 11-year-old granddaughter when the suspect entered the shop at 3:30 p.m., reports state.

The suspect pointed his gun at Strain and the child and then motioned toward the gun display.

``Pistola, Pistola,'' the suspect said. Strain pushed the child out of the way, grabbed his shotgun off the wall and aimed it at the suspect, reports state.

The suspect fired a shot that didn't hit anyone, and fled on foot. Osceola County deputies searched the area but could not find the suspect, who was described as being 5 feet 6 inches tall, 140 pounds and having a beard and a Hispanic accent.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Osceola County Sheriff's Office at 348-1150. All calls will be kept confidential.